Prototheca wickerhamii
| Prototheca wickerhamii | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| (unranked): | Viridiplantae |
| Division: | Chlorophyta |
| Class: | Trebouxiophyceae |
| Order: | Chlorellales |
| Family: | Chlorellaceae |
| Genus: | Prototheca |
| Species: | P. wickerhamii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Prototheca wickerhamii K.Tubaki & M.Soneda
| |
Prototheca wickerhamii is a ubiquitous
Biology
P. wickerhamii has a round to elliptical cell shape measuring 3–11 µm in diameter. The organism has thick wall (theca) with internal septations that form the small wedge-shaped endospores, which are arranged radially and moulded (morula-like form).[1] Reproduction is asexual by release of the spores from the sporangia, which can occur every 5–6 hours in ideal conditions.[2]
P. wickerhamii can be found ubiquitously in the environment as
Infection
P. wickerhamii can cause opportunistic infections, commonly in individuals with a suppressed immune system due to disease or medication. It is the primary cause of protothecosis in humans. Infection usually results by direct traumatic inoculation[1][full citation needed] and most commonly presents as nodules of the skin.[3]
Diagnosis can be made through culture of diseased tissue in
Differential diagnosis: Protothecal sporangia may be confused with Coccidioides immitis, which are much larger
Antimicrobial therapy
There is currently no standardized for infection with P. wickerhamii. Positive results of treatment with Voriconazole[4] have been reported as well as with amphotericin B.[5] Strains have also showed susceptibility to further azole compounds such as itraconazole and posaconazole.[3]
References
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